Scientists studying the burning of stars, the evolution of species, DNA, the brain, the economy, and social change, all frequently describe their work as searching for mechanisms. Despite this fact, for much of the twentieth century philosophical discussions of the nature of mechanisms remained outside philosophy of science. The Routledge Handbook of Mechanisms and Mechanical Philosophy is an outstanding reference source to the key topics, problems, and debates in this exciting subject and is the first collection of its kind. Comprising over thirty chapters by a team of international contributors, the Handbook is divided into four Parts: Historical perspectives on mechanisms The nature of mechanisms Mechanisms and the philosophy of science Disciplinary perspectives on mechanisms. Within these Parts central topics and problems are examined, including the rise of mechanical philosophy in the seventeenth century; what mechanisms are made of and how they are organized; mechanisms and laws and regularities; how mechanisms are discovered and explained; dynamical systems theory; and disciplinary perspectives from physics, chemistry, biology, biomedicine, ecology, neuroscience, and the social sciences. Essential reading for students and researchers in philosophy of science, the Handbook will also be of interest to those in related fields, such as metaphysics, philosophy of psychology, and history of science.

With the help of in-depth essays from some of the world's leading philosophers, The Blackwell Companion to Natural Theology explores the nature and existence of God through human reason and evidence from the natural world. Provides in-depth and cutting-edge treatment of natural theology's main arguments Includes contributions from first-rate philosophers well known for their work on the relevant topics Updates relevant arguments in light of the most current, state-of-the-art philosophical and scientific discussions Stands in useful contrast and opposition to the arguments of the 'new atheists'

The Wolfram Physics Project is a bold effort to find the fundamental theory of physics. It combines new ideas with the latest research in physics, mathematics and computation in the push to achieve this ultimate goal of science. Written with Stephen Wolfram's characteristic expository flair, this book provides a unique opportunity to learn about a historic initiative in science right as it is happening. A Project to Find the Fundamental Theory of Physics includes an accessible introduction to the project as well as core technical exposition and rich, never-before-seen visualizations.

Physics at the beginning of the twenty-first century has reached new levels of accomplishment and impact in a society and nation that are changing rapidly. Accomplishments have led us into the information age and fueled broad technological and economic development. The pace of discovery is quickening and stronger links with other fields such as the biological sciences are being developed. The intellectual reach has never been greater, and the questions being asked are more ambitious than ever before. Physics in a New Era is the final report of the NRC's six-volume decadal physics survey. The book reviews the frontiers of physics research, examines the role of physics in our society, and makes recommendations designed to strengthen physics and its ability to serve important needs such as national security, the economy, information technology, and education.

This volume collects previously unpublished contributions to the philosophy of science. What brings them together is a twofold goal: first and foremost, celebrating the name of Roberto Torretti, whose works in this and other areas have had –and continue to have– a significant impact on the international philosophy of science community; and second, the desire of advancing novel perspectives on various issues in the philosophy of science broadly construed. Roberto Torretti has made substantial contributions to current debates in the history and philosophy of science, the general philosophy of science, and the philosophy of physics and geometry. Among his landmark contributions, we find his investigations in the history and philosophy of geometry, as well as his systematic studies of Einstein's relativity theory. This volume convenes leading philosophers and early-career scholars compiling a fine collection of chapters addressing recent debates on Kantian philosophy of science, the general philosophy of science, and the history and philosophy of physics and mathematics.

Theoretical particle physicists discuss the present status and,in particular, the latest developments in quantum field theory,in their broadest aspects. This volume contains the main lecturespresented at the symposium and reflects the contemporary statusof a line of development, one of whose initiators was Niels Bohr.

Humans and the Third Dimension; A Journey of Discovery The Limits of Our Perceptions Our Three-Dimensional World: A Familiar Reality Space and Time: Basic Concepts The Limits of Human Perception: Sight, Hearing, Touch Other Senses: Smell and Taste The Sixth Sense: Intuition and Insight The Subconscious and the Superconscious: Hidden Worlds Dreams and Reality: Is There a Difference? Parallel Universes: Possibilities and Scenarios Quantum Physics: On the Nature of Reality Quantum Entanglement: Separate But Connected Superposition: Being in More Than One State Quantum Examples: Reflections in Daily Life Time Travel: Is It Possible? The Theory of Relativity of Time: Einstein's Legacy Black Holes: The End of Time? Wormholes: Transitioning from One Dimension to Another The Theory of the Multiverse: Infinite Possibilities The Fourth Dimension and Beyond: Challenges of Conceptualization Human Consciousness and Dimensions: Is There a Connection? Aura and Energy Fields: Invisible Worlds Meditation and Consciousness Expansion: New Perspectives Astral Travel: Unconscious Experiences Telepathy and Remote Influence: Mind Power Dream Interpretation: Signs of the Subconscious Kabbalah and Dimensions: The View of the Ancient Sages Buddhism and Dimensions: Spiritual Development Hinduism and Dimensions: Karma and Reincarnation Shamanism and Dimensions: Spiritual Journeys Human Body and Energy Centers: Chakras Chakra Balancing and Healing: Holistic Approach Frequencies and Vibrations: The Language of Energy Crystals and Energy: Healing and Balance Reiki and Energy Healing: Modern Applications Spiritual Applications: Interdimensional Connections Traces of the Unseen World: Historical Examples Mysterious Events: The Unexplained Phenomenon UFOs and Aliens: Fact or Fiction? Exploration of the Unknown: A Continuous Process Man's Place in the Universe: Existential Questions

The 67 chapters of this book describe and analyse the development of Western science from 1500 to the present day. Divided into two major sections - 'The Study of the History of Science' and 'Selected Writings in the History of Science' - the volume describes the methods and problems of research in the field and then applies these techniques to a wide range of fields. Areas covered include: * the Copernican Revolution * Genetics * Science and Imperialism * the History of Anthropology * Science and Religion * Magic and Science. The companion is an indispensable resource for students and professionals in History, Philosophy, Sociology and the Sciences as well as the History of Science. It will also appeal to the general reader interested in an introduction to the subject.